Depression Understood Forums

Do you think the Winston Churchill Statue promotes a good impression of mental health?
Yes, I think it helps others to understand about mental health and how it can be conquered.
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0% [ 0 ]
No, I think it sends out the wrong signals about mental health and is disrespectful.
100%
100% [ 4 ]
Total Votes : 4

Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 5:19 pm

This is the story of a mental health charity in the UK called Rethink. This charity commissioned a statue of Winston Churchill in a straitjacket to promote – ironically in my opinion – a more positive image of mental health in society.

If you have the time, please read the following:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4795832.stm

Firstly, I think it absurd that this charity should deem the use of imagery such as straitjackets as a step forward in how those lucky enough not to suffer from any mental health problems regard and view those that do suffer from mental health concerns (the statue was of Winston Churchill because he suffered from depression).

Surely as it stands the general public still regard mental health as a slightly taboo subject (hence the reason why this statue was commissioned in the first place), and this sort of portrayal only strengthens a sort of mad woman in the attic impression of mental health?

Secondly, and only naturally, I think the statue disrespectful to Winston Churchill’s memory and to his family as a whole.

Thankfully the following article tells of the subsequent action taken towards this rather insensitive push to portray mental health in a more positive and realistic light to the general public:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/norfolk/4803108.stm

Anyway, I thought I’d mention it on this forum as I was wondering what other people thought. As mentioned in one of the links, there are some that defend the creation of the statue so opinion is far from being cut and dried.

I’d be interested to know what YOU think!

Stephen.

Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 7:11 am

((((((((((((((((((((Stephen))))))))))))))))

What articles!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for taking the time to post them. The word you used tells it all.........

"WHAT?"

Thank you so much

Warmie

Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 10:27 pm

(((Warmsoul)))

I guess I meant "links" and not articles:


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4795832.stm

and:


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/norfolk/4803108.stm

Or perhaps they're not accessible right now?

Hope you're doing well ALL,

Stephen.

Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 11:04 pm

(((((((((((((((((((((Stephen)))))))))))))))))))

What you posted is wonderful. Hope you continue posting, we need all the opinions, documents, articles and links to help all of us to understand more of who we are, hints to deal with it and how the world reacts.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this for all of us.

Love to you

Warmie

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2006 4:33 pm

Will keep posting...

... but perhaps this one was too specific towards the UK though. Either that or no one has an opinion "?

Stephen.

Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2006 1:11 am Reply with quoteEdit/Delete this postDelete this postView IP address of poster

Hey Stephen,

I agree with you ---that is beyond disrespectful to him as well as a negative symbol to use---how is a straight jacket viewed as positive by them? HELLO? To me, that image would only further perpetuate the stigma. Yes, Winston had depression and referred to it as his "black dog"---but he obviously functioned and handled his position. I think that's bizarre. it sounds as kooky as that nutcase that wraps stuff in huge sheets of plastic! What's next--a statue of someone famous getting an ECT?
Some people just don't get it!


Hugs,
Gloomy

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 12:00 pm

((((Gloomy)))

I agree, some people just don't get it. It's such negative imagery in my opinion.

lol at a statue of someone having ECT. Then again in this odd world, you never know what someone will come up with! - Probably all in the name of 'art'.

I just think it's such a shame that such a reputable organisation such as "Rethink" could have such made such a retrograde step in order to "promote" the image of mental health.

Stephen.

Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2006 10:46 am

((((((((((Stephen))))))))))

Noticed this is getting read, way to go.! The votes may be low, but getting it read is the important thing here. Got anymore interesting articles?

Thank you for sharing with us. Getting the word out, in a sense.

Thank you.

Love to you

Warmie

Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2006 1:00 pm

Sure, when I know of other mental health related news I'll make sure I post it.

Thanks for your replies... I just thought it was an interesting subject to discuss.

Stephen.

Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 6:44 am

(((Stephen)))

Something we all relate to, amazing article I felt. Will be looking forward to the next.

TY

Warmie

I can certainly see why the Churchill Family is offended. However, I looked at the picture of his statue and was inspired.

His mental illness "tied him in knots"; yet he accomplished SO MUCH!

When I saw the pic of his statue; well, I saw the strength of the man.

Makes me feel like there just might be hope for us yet.

Just my thoughts.